How to Get a YouTube Official Artist Channel

With LANDR Distribution, claiming your YouTube Official Artist Channel is quick and easy.

Claim your YouTube Official Artist Channel in 5 Steps

1. Distribute your music to streaming platforms

You must subscribe to a distribution service, and you need at least one live release that is eligible for monetization with YouTube Content ID to claim a YouTube Official Artist Channel.

2. Create a regular artist channel under your project’s name

Ensure the channel name exactly matches your artist name. Remember, the channel must represent only one artist or band.

3. Publish a public video related to a live release

Music videos, lyric videos or album artwork videos are great options, but all must contain music related to a release published through LANDR Distribution. YouTube Shorts won’t count towards your video count.

4. Submit a YouTube Official Artist Channel Request

You can easily submit an OAC request from the LANDR Distribution dashboard. All you need is the YouTube channel ID found in your channel settings.

5. Wait for confirmation and access

It takes four weeks for YouTube to approve your Official Channel request. Once you receive access you’ll be able to access your channel via YouTube Studio.

Make better decisions with YouTube analytics

Get powerful audience insights, performance data and understand how fans are engaging with your music on YouTube.

Personalize your artist channel

Get access to deep customization and branding features. From banners to custom handles and bios, a YouTube Official Artist Channel helps you express yourself clearly.

Access more monetization features

Add shopping features to your channel page, get access to YouTube’s Partner Program and create more opportunities to sell merchandise and monetize your content.

Build custom playlists on your channel page

Organize your tracks, albums and discography into easily digestible playlists. Make it easy for your fans to listen to your tracks wherever they are.

Why choose LANDR Distribution?

Unlimited distribution

Release as much and as often as you want with unlimited distribution to 15 streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and TikTok. Whether you’re regularly releasing singles or plan to drop several albums, LANDR Distribution has you covered.

Speedy release times

Releases are reviewed in as little as two days. It can take a few days after review for releases to appear on streaming platforms, including YouTube.

Cover song licenses

If you're uploading a cover song to streaming platforms you must obtain the proper license to upload that song. If you don't have one, LANDR offers cover song licensing for $15 USD per song.

Keep 100% of streaming revenue

Active LANDR Distribution subscribers always keep 100% of revenues from streaming services.

Simple revenue splitting

LANDR Distribution simplifies revenue sharing for collaborators ensuring everyone receives their rightful share of streaming earnings through easy-to-use revenue splitting tools.

Streaming and listener data trends

With LANDR Distribution's trends dashboard, you can track how often and where your music gets streamed and which tracks drive revenue.

Unmatched, human customer support

LANDR Distribution has the best customer support in the business. Our dedicated experts will get back to you with thoughtful advice and help whenever you have a question or concern.

Start a pre-save campaign

LANDR Distribution subscribers get a pre-save link that they can use to encourage fans to pre-save their album or singles ahead of an upcoming release.

Mastering, samples, 70+ plugins and more

LANDR Studio subscribers get all of LANDR Distribution plus industry-defining AI mastering, 70+ pro-grade plugins, the entire LANDR Samples library and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a standard YouTube Channel and a YouTube Official Artist Channel?

The key difference between these is the level of analytics, customization, monetization and branding features they offer. An official channel gives artists access to a wider array of options compared to the limitations in a standard YouTube channel.

How long does it take to get my music approved for a YouTube Official Artist Channel?

After you submit your music through LANDR Distribution’s portal, it can take four weeks for YouTube to review your submission and grant access to your official channel.

Is it free to apply for a YouTube Official Artist Channel?

Yes! But you need to subscribe to a music distribution service provider and have at least one live release.

Do I need a YouTube Official Artist Channel to monetize my music?

No, YouTube Content ID is another way to monetize your music on YouTube, however an Official Artist Channel will grant you better insights and analytics about how your music is monetized on YouTube.